IDA urges centre to approve ESIC medical and dental college for Jammu

The Indian Dental Association (IDA) on Monday appealed to Union Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to approve the establishment of an Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) medical and dental college in Jammu.

In a joint statement, IDA Jammu president Dr Nipun Gupta and Secretary Dr Vibha Raina expressed surprise and disappointment that Jammu — the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir — has been left out of ESIC’s recent expansion plans, despite the announcement of 30 new medical and dental colleges across the country.

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During its 194th meeting held on October 8, 2024, the ESIC had approved the establishment of 10 new medical colleges. This was followed by a decision on April 22, 2025, to open 20 additional colleges, as part of the central government’s plan to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years — a key commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address in 2024.

The IDA Jammu leaders highlighted that Prime Minister Modi, in a recent address on June 6, 2025, described Jammu & Kashmir as the “crown jewel of India” and reiterated the government’s focus on driving economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing security in the Union Territory.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed significant industrial growth. According to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, investment proposals worth nearly Rs 60,000 crore are currently under consideration in the UT. Of this, projects worth Rs 10,000 crore are already operational, Rs 15,000 crore are in various stages of execution, and the remaining Rs 25,000 crore are expected to be launched within the year.

Given this surge in industrial activity, growing population, and rising demand for quality healthcare and education, the IDA Jammu unit has strongly advocated for the approval of an ESIC medical and dental college in the region.

The association pointed out that the existing ESIC Model Hospital in Bari Brahmana could be upgraded to serve as the foundation for the proposed college. This, they said, would not only enhance local healthcare infrastructure but also create employment opportunities and allow local students to pursue higher education in medicine and dentistry, including postgraduate specialisations, without leaving the region.

“The establishment of an ESIC medical and dental college in Jammu will align with the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive development and help bridge critical gaps in medical education and healthcare access in Jammu & Kashmir,” the IDA leaders stated.